Banff National Park
Been Here Life List

Bow Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta

There are no roadside billboards in Banff National Park, no clear-cuts in the forest, no housing sprawl through the valleys. No planes fly through, and motorized vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, and helicopters are forbidden. Rather, this UNESCO World Heritage site, Canada's first national park, prides itself on pristine mountains and valleys, glaciers and forests. Mountain peaks stand as high as 13,000 feet, lakes are colored peacock blue and emerald green, and the woods teem with bears, wolves, elk, and other charismatic megafauna. Read More »

Banff National Park Highlights

Check in with the information center for Banff–Lake Louise Tourism and Parks Canada at 224 Banff Avenue in town. In addition to providing maps and trip ideas, the center can tell you about any areas to avoid due to animal activity.
Banff has more than 120 restaurants featuring everything from ethnic cuisine to homegrown Alberta beef. The vibe ranges from fine dining to cozy cafes, but don't fret over dress codes. Almost every joint in town accepts “Rocky Mountain casual" (think: warm and comfy, if not fashion-forward).
Non-skiers can hike or snowshoe on winter trails in and around Banff and Lake Louise. Ice-walk tours head to the narrow gorge of Grotto Canyon and to Johnston Canyon, where steel walkways are secured onto cliff walls. Popular night hikes head to Stewart Canyon Bridge, Vista Lake, or the bubbling pools of the paint pots. Wildlife tours and dogsled excursions are plentiful as well.
The Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, featuring award-winning, mountain-centric culture from around the world, takes place annually around the end of October in the Banff Centre.
Cross-country skiers will find groomed and track-set trails leading to glacier-fed lakes, following rivers and rolling through valleys. Boom Lake Trail ends at a frozen lake at the foot of three towering mountains. Spray River Loop runs down one riverbank, across a bridge, and back along the other with a terrific view of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
In summer, ride the nearly 124 miles of designated mountain-biking trails. Pick up the Banff National Park Mountain Biking and Cycling Guide at the information center.

By Travel Expert: Sue Lebrecht